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freezing_moon's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy a good ghost story and Sonora Taylor’s Seeing Things takes it to a place of beautiful melancholy. This book offers up a coming-of-age story set against some very disturbing visions. This is the first book I’ve read by Taylor and it surely will not be my last.
Abby Gillman can see the dead, but nobody at home or at her school believes her. It doesn’t matter that there is a body stuffed in a locker at school, or there is a boy nobody can see in the lunchroom. Making matters worse is that the dead refuse to respond to Abby’s questions. After the school year comes to an end she travels to spend time with her Uncle Keith, but he has some problems of his own. Her stay with Uncle Keith leads her to unravel a mystery that ends with a stunning conclusion.
Sonora Taylor has done a tremendous job writing the characters, especially those of Abby and her uncle. Both of these characters are dealing with some pretty massive changes in their lives. The hurt, confusion, and all other emotions are dealt with honestly and lovingly. While I may have been frustrated by some decisions they made or thoughts they shared it felt like I had a personal interest in these people. This is something that doesn’t happen much in my reading — I’m more often than not able to disassociate myself from the people in a book. It is a testament to Taylor’s writing abilities that I felt this close bond to the main characters.
The other aspect of the book that I really loved was this sense of melancholy woven into every aspect of the book. Even in the small moments of joy there is a hint of sadness. Even the dead give off a sense of sadness that isn’t very normal in a ghost story. It truly makes me love the story even more when the setting/place is just as an effective conveyor of emotion. Never does the story break into complete sunshine, and honestly it makes for a much more moving story and conclusion. We as humans go through many changes over the course of our lives and it isn’t always happy or pleasant. Taylor does add a small dose of hope near the end of the book, but it doesn’t feel forced. Much like the entire book it feels extremely natural and right.
Seeing Things made me feel things that I don’t often feel in horror fiction. It isn’t just terror in the sense of a shock or jump scare, but more in the horror that comes from dark secrets and lost innocence. The book represents every thing that is right in a coming-of-age story mixed with moments of terror found in the best of horror writing. In the characters of Abby and Uncle Keith, Taylor has introduced people that I would love to make a return in a future story. This is a raw and stunning book that should find it’s way into your to be read list.
Abby Gillman can see the dead, but nobody at home or at her school believes her. It doesn’t matter that there is a body stuffed in a locker at school, or there is a boy nobody can see in the lunchroom. Making matters worse is that the dead refuse to respond to Abby’s questions. After the school year comes to an end she travels to spend time with her Uncle Keith, but he has some problems of his own. Her stay with Uncle Keith leads her to unravel a mystery that ends with a stunning conclusion.
Sonora Taylor has done a tremendous job writing the characters, especially those of Abby and her uncle. Both of these characters are dealing with some pretty massive changes in their lives. The hurt, confusion, and all other emotions are dealt with honestly and lovingly. While I may have been frustrated by some decisions they made or thoughts they shared it felt like I had a personal interest in these people. This is something that doesn’t happen much in my reading — I’m more often than not able to disassociate myself from the people in a book. It is a testament to Taylor’s writing abilities that I felt this close bond to the main characters.
The other aspect of the book that I really loved was this sense of melancholy woven into every aspect of the book. Even in the small moments of joy there is a hint of sadness. Even the dead give off a sense of sadness that isn’t very normal in a ghost story. It truly makes me love the story even more when the setting/place is just as an effective conveyor of emotion. Never does the story break into complete sunshine, and honestly it makes for a much more moving story and conclusion. We as humans go through many changes over the course of our lives and it isn’t always happy or pleasant. Taylor does add a small dose of hope near the end of the book, but it doesn’t feel forced. Much like the entire book it feels extremely natural and right.
Seeing Things made me feel things that I don’t often feel in horror fiction. It isn’t just terror in the sense of a shock or jump scare, but more in the horror that comes from dark secrets and lost innocence. The book represents every thing that is right in a coming-of-age story mixed with moments of terror found in the best of horror writing. In the characters of Abby and Uncle Keith, Taylor has introduced people that I would love to make a return in a future story. This is a raw and stunning book that should find it’s way into your to be read list.
poppyseedromance's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
bookish_satty's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Oh wow! This was creepy as well as tense! That ending shocked me but in a good way! Fans of coming of age horror will love this. Highly recommend!
n0rmann's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed ts book. The main character came off as a very realistic teenager and the story is very good. My only drawback is I didn't find any of the adult characters as likable, but the main character made up for that.
slimeandslashers's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 stars rounded up for GR. Loved the ending and some of the concepts, but at times had trouble connecting with the main character.
djgroupi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my first book by Sonora Taylor and I was quite impressed with this YA ghost story. Kept me engaged the whole time and I could never have anticipated the way the story would turn. Highly original and atmospheric.
risetoile's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
stranger_sights's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads.
I love any kind of lady-centric coming of age stories, and this one is no exception.
You can check out my full review at: https://mediadrome.wordpress.com/2020/10/16/lohfreadathon-seeing-things-by-sonora-taylor/
I love any kind of lady-centric coming of age stories, and this one is no exception.
You can check out my full review at: https://mediadrome.wordpress.com/2020/10/16/lohfreadathon-seeing-things-by-sonora-taylor/
mlmorgenstern's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I could give this book to myself at 13 years old. It's the heir to "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret," for those of us who skewed more Lydia Deetz than Sweet Valley High twins.
braunm580's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5